The program is sponsored by Historic Philadelphia, Incorporated. As stated in their website “Historic Philadelphia, Inc. (HPI) is a non-profit organization with a mission to make our nation’s history relevant, real, and fun by enlivening historic sites through storytelling, interactions, and education. As part of this mission, HPI operates, maintains, and improves the Betsy Ross House, Franklin Square and Once Upon A Nation.” The Once Upon a Nation program is a storytelling program provided free to the public and was created in cooperation with Independence National Historical Park and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Public benches have been installed in several areas in the historic Philadelphia area where storytellers highlight contributions from women, African Americans, Native Americans, and other figures from the 17th to 19th centuries. The HPI website notes that “Uniformed storytellers deliver free 3-5 minute stories filled with historical insights and facts. Designed to engage all ages, the program sparks interest in history with diverse perspectives beyond the Founding Fathers!”
Thanks mostly to the efforts of Joe Debello, a W3R-PA donor and the City of Philadelphia have provided initial funding support ($2,000 each) to the program for storytellers to include the W3R story in their presentations. This will be a wonderful way for the public to learn about the Route and garner support and interest in our organization.
Here is a link to the website where you can read about the program in more detail. W3R-PA is seeking additional funds to continue to support the program and ensure our W3R history continues to be told by the storytellers.
Amy M. Parker, Secretary
W3R-PA
